Understanding The Reasons for High Rates of Caesarean Section Deliveries in Telangana, South India: An Explorative Study

Karthik Jirra; Surya Durga  Prasad M; Shamanna  BR

doi:10.55489/njcm.141120233324

Authors

Karthik Jirra School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
Surya Durga Prasad M School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
Shamanna BR School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.141120233324

Keywords:

Caesarean sections, Maternal health, institutional Births, Non-Medical Reasons, Private health facility, Telangana

Abstract

Background: Telangana continues to top the list of the highest number of caesarean section (C-section) deliveries in the country for the financial year 2019-2020. As per NFHS-5 it is about 60.7% deliveries out of the total number of all institutionalized childbirths. This study aims to address the crucial research gap by qualitatively exploring the reasons for the high rates of unnecessary C-section rates in the state of Telangana.

Methodology: A purposive sampling was done across the health care facilities and geographies in the State & the districts were selected based on high, medium and low CS rates. A 360-degree stakeholder engagement approach was taken for a qualitative exploration to find out the reasons.

Results: Medical, behavioural, cultural, and infrastructure including health system related factors have contributed to the rise of C-sections, particularly unnecessary elective C-sections. Limited trained personnel for doing normal deliveries in the public sector, infrastructure and safety issues for mother and child, and a preference for painless deliveries, and prior CS delivery stood out.

Conclusions: As per the study's findings, it can be said that non-medical reasons account for a high percentage of C-sections in Telangana.

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